What are the most popular rummy variants played globally?

Are you someone who likes to play Rummy? Then, you will be surprised to know that there are many types of Rummy in the market. This means there is more than just classic Indian Rummy. That being said, it is sometimes a little hard for beginners to understand which one is most suitable. This is why, here, we will list down some of the most popular Rummy types. From rules to deck structure, we will discuss everything with you for your understanding. 

Different variants of Rummy

Well, online Rummy games come with a huge variety. But there is always a slight change in rules. Some of the most popular types of online Rummy are:

1. Classic Indian Rummy  

This one is one of the most opted-for Rummy types in the world. This is exactly what makes Indian Rummy one of the most popular searches in new Rummy apps. Indian Rummy is played by 2 to 6 players and it is a mix of Gin and 500 Rummy. This is why the game combines the rules from both. But the rule of forming sets and sequences is the same in this one. So, you will have to form sets or sequences before your opponents to win the game. 

Indian Rummy starts with dealing 13 cards to each player in the circle. One 52-card deck is enough for 2 to 3 players. But you will have to use two decks if there are more players. Other than that, the rules are really simple, you will have to be the first one to make a valid declaration for winning. Making a valid declaration is easy, just arrange all your cards in sets and sequences. But keep in mind that two sequences will have to be pure. 

[Note: A pure sequence has three or more consecutive cards of the same suit and without any jokers or wild cards.]

2. Gin Rummy 

Gin Rummy is famous across the world, however, it is mostly played in the USA. This one is played among 2 to 4 players and every player is dealt 10 cards to form sets and sequences during the game. One of the most distinct features of the game is that the “A” card of any suit is considered the first one in the suit and followed by 2, 3, and everything else. Another interesting thing about the game is you are not required to create a valid set for winning. Rather, you can just declare a win by “knocking” if your total points value is less than 10. 

Moreover, points in this game are also calculated based on the difference between the deadwood points of the opponents and the winner. Deadwood points are described as the points that are collected from the cards that are not a part of any set or sequence. Similar to other ones, this one also has the goal of melding cards by drawing cards from the deck and discarding the ones that you do not need. 

3. Kalooki Rummy 

Kalooki Rummy, or Caribbean Kalooki, is very famous in Jamaica and some parts of the UK. Basically, what happens during this type of Rummy is all players get 9 cards each. Then, they have to draw from the stock and discard cards as the game progresses. Kalooki is mostly played among 3 to 8 players, but a tournament only has 4 players. 

The goal of the game is pretty simple. All players compete to lower their scores. So, the one with the lowest at the end of the game is declared the winner. This online Rummy game also allows you to use a Joker card as a wild card. This is for times when you do not have the right card to complete sets and runs with ease. Most important of all, the loser is penalized and points of their unmelded cards are added up. 

4. Rummikub  

This game is famous in almost all parts of the world, especially in Israel. That being said, it is a little different from other types of Rummy. This is because it uses tiles in place of cards. This is exactly why, this one is sometimes considered a mix of traditional Rummy and mahjong. There are a total of 104 tiles and you will get 14. After that, you will have to use your skills to strategically lay down the tiles during the game.   

The winning rules for this game are very simple. You will just have to use all your tiles before going out. Plus, the total value of your remaining tiles will also have to be the lowest if you want to win. So, make sure you are the first one to empty your rack otherwise your opponent will become the winner. 

5. Canasta 

This type of Rummy is originally from Spain in Southern America. The rules of Canasta are similar to the other types, which is why many people like to play this game. That being said, there is a slight change in one rule that sets this apart a little. Besides the Joker cards, the 2s of all suits are also considered wild cards. 

Other than that, there are also a few other rules in this one that you should definitely know. For instance, the 3s of the red suits do not have any value of their own so they cannot be used in melds. But you can use them to get receipt bonus points by placing them face up. Moreover, the 3s of the black suits are also called stop cards and they stop your opponents from using the discard pile during the turn. You will get 15 cards and work your way to create sets. Once you or your team reaches 5,000 points, you will automatically become the winner. 

6. Shanghai Rummy 

This game is also quite easy to play which is why you will find this one in most new Rummy app. This was primarily played in China, but now it is famous across the world. Shanghai Rummy is played among 3 to 5 players, making them perfect for small groups. You will get 11 cards during this game, after that, you will have to use your skills to lower your scores by the end of the game. 

The rules of this game are pretty similar to other types of Rummy, however, there are a few differences. For instance, 2 clubs and 2 spades are also used as Jokers in the game. This is exactly what makes the game of Shanghai Rummy so exciting. This way you can use more strategies to create sets and sequences when you do not have all the cards.

7. Oklahoma Rummy 

This one is famous in the USA and it is a type of Gin Rummy. This is exactly why the rules are quite similar. That being said, there are a few differences between the two that set it apart from traditional Rummy or gin. 

One of the biggest differences is how the scoring is done during the game. For instance, the winner of the hand gets the total value of all the unmelded cards of the opponents. Other than that, the general rule of creating sets and sequences stays the same. So, make sure you are quick at forming the sets as this is the only way in which you can become the first one to get rid of all the cards in their hand.

8. 500 Rummy  

This online Rummy game is very famous in the USA and Canada. 500 Rummy is played among 2 to 8 players, but the number of cards you get varies. For instance, you will get 7 cards if there are 5 or more players. On the other hand, everyone gets 13 cards if there are 2 to 3 players in the circle. 

The rules of this one are pretty similar to that of traditional Rummy. You will just have to create sets and sequences to get points. The first player who reaches 500 points before the others, automatically becomes the winner. 

9. Dummy Rummy 

This type of Rummy is easier than the other ones. This is why most people love this game. Dummy Rummy is similar to other games in its rules. Although most of the rules of dummy Rummy are similar to others, there are a few differences.  

For instance, the goal of the game remains the same and you have to create sets and runs. The first one with zero cards is the winner in a game of Dummy Rummy. But there are a few differences regarding the Joker cards. This is because the 2s of all suits are treated as Joker cards. So, you get 4 extra jokers in the game which helps in creating more sets and sequences. 

Conclusion 

Online Rummy games are perfect for those who are constantly on the hunt for variety. From Canasta to Gin, there are more types than you can imagine. Through this blog, we worked on making you aware of some of the most popular Rummy types and their rules. We are sure that this will definitely help you a lot in choosing the right one.